Xander Smith heads off on a solo tour of Europe to support his solo CD, Hey San Pedro. You may know Smith from the band Run Run Run. This effort is a more singer-songwriter folk style effort (he even covers a Tegan and Sara track). Not all the dates are in Europe. You can also check the man out on August 7 at Genghis Cohen in L.A. Find out more at xandersmithmusic.com.

James Iha has a solo record, Look To The Sky, coming September 18. Iha has a pretty impressive rock n roll track record; Smashing Pumpkins, A Perfect Circle, Tinted Windows. He produces this record with guitarist Nathan Larson. Check out the track,To Who Knows Where, below. The record has tons of appearances by musical luminaries as well. For more info, tour dates and more head to jamesiha.com.

Black Bananas released their debut, Rad Times Xpress IV, earlier this year. I somehow missed it and the scads of videos from the record. BUT I did not miss the video for Foxy Playground. You can find it below. The band just finished a tour with Kurt Vile & The Violators. But they will be playing some shows in August;Aug. 13 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Mayan Theatre w/ The Kills Aug. 14 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Mayan Theatre w/ The Kills Aug. 18 -- New York, NY @ Pier 63 Hudson River Park w/ The Kills (FREE)

Flobots latest, The Circle In The Square, comes out on Shanachie Records on August 28, 2012. The band recorded and wrote the record on their own, with no label or manager standing over their shoulder telling them what to do (although this isn’t all that uncommon these days it is still nice). The music has a political subtext and it all comes together in a genre busting package…which if you have even a little Flobot knowledge will not surprise. The title track of the album was inspired by the Arab Spring. You can check that out at the band website HERE. A mini-tour in the late Summer will be followed by a full USA tour in the Fall.

Hot Water Music have announced some new dates on their upcoming tour. These dates are seven headline shows, in addition to opening slots with Rise Against and Gaslight Anthem (they are also hitting Riot Fest in Brooklyn, Chicago and Toronto). Full list of dates is below. Tickets to these new gigs go on sale Friday (6/29). The band is touring to support their latest recording, Exister, released a little over a month ago.

Deleted Scenes’ new LP, Young People’s Church of the Air, comes out July 10. The first single, English as a Second Language, is out now and you can check it (and download it) HERE. The band hail from Washington, DC and you can check out their track, Bedbedbedbedbed, below as well. T o support the release Deleted Scenes is also heading out on the road (some dates are with The Spinto Band).

Brooklyn’s Fang Island are releasing their second record, Major, on July 24, 2012. The first digital single from the record is, Sisterly. The single comes with a remix of the song by Anamanaguchi (which you can hear below). Fang Island is also touring. You can check out the dates on these headlining shows below. Adebisi Shank or Zechs Marquise open.

Darin & Greg Bresnitz are hosts of Snacky Tunes on Heritage Radio. The show isn’t just about snacks but about music as the Bresnitz boys get a bevy of up and coming musicians and DJs into the studio to perform. You can hear, and download, the latest collection of these performances below. The Bresnitz brother live in Brooklyn. And you really want to tune in if you are in need of late night vittles.

Fitz and The Tantrums have a new free EP that you can get by going to the band website, fitzandthetantrums.com. The ep, Live From House Of Blues Boston 2, is something of a clunky title but, hey, it is free. The group are also heading out on an extensive North American tour. Dates are below.

Bright Light Bright Light is Rob Thomas. I think we can all agree the former is catchier than the later. BLBL hail from the UK and play electronic pop. I would describe the music in detail but there really is no need. You can hear it at AOL Spinner (this week). The record comes out today (June 26, 2012) and features guest spots form Del Marquis of Scissor Sisters and others. The record was co-produced by Andy Chatterly who also did some work with Underworld (among others). Bright Light Bright Light is also performing on August 2, 2012 at Pianos, 158 Ludlow Street, in New York City.